Author: Carma Henry

     While being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) several years ago, U.S. Army and Iraq War veteran William Davis realized he had become hooked on the opioid pain medication hydrocodone. Seeking to break his dependency on the legal yet highly addictive drug, Davis turned to marijuana as an alternative pain relief solution, despite its illegality in Louisiana. 

      The shocking death of Olympic track gold medalist Tori Bowie, who died as a result of childbirth complications in May at the age of 32, struck a personal chord with Howard men’s basketball coach Kenny Blakeney.

      Speculation about the Heat’s interest in former Florida Gator and present Washington Wizards superstar Bradley Beal was slightly exaggerated. The Phoenix Suns apparently had the draft picks and veteran players like Chris Paul to consummate a deal which satisfied the needs of both organizations. According to ESPN the Heat has turned their attention to shooting guard Damon Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers. The Heat brass, led by Pat Riley, should never be doubted or underestimated.

Our HBCU icon this week is Coach Billy Nicks, a Morris Brown College graduate who returned to his alma mater commencing a legendary career which lasted several decades from 1930-1965. Researching icons like Coach Nicks was eye opening for Coach Redmond and me since we were both nearing early college years or just graduating from high school when he ended his illustrious career.

   The 2023 Curtis L. Armstrong Mays High School “All Alumni” Ram Roundup will take place on June 24, starting at 10 a.m., at the Wilbur B. Bell Park (formerly West Perrine Park), 10301 SW 170 Terrace.

     Florida A&M University football greats Henry “Killer” Lawrence and Tyrone McGriff were inducted into the Black College Hall of Fame as members of the class of 2023. The induction ceremony was held in Atlanta on June 10.

      Ray Lewis III, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame player Ray Lewis and one-time Virginia Union football player, died at 28. 

     Experts say there’s a possibility this year could be one of the hottest in history. The World Meteorological Organization says there is a 90% chance that one of the next five years will be the hottest on record. Climate scientists say hurricanes will only worsen with climate change — and predictions for this year only show as many as four major hurricanes.

Jackie Knight, who aged out of the foster care system, received a car to make it easier for him to get to school and to his job at a local grocery store. The vehicle, a Honda Civic, is courtesy of the Rotary Club of Weston and was presented to him at Rick Case Honda in Davie, Florida.

The Children’s Harbor 10th Annual Harbor Lights Gala raised more than $180,000 for the non-profit agency that strengthens families in the community while providing safe shelter and support to teens in foster care so that they may grow into healthy, educated, and productive adults.